SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

I received  SK-II facial Treatment Essence for free in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

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SK-II Facial Treatment Essence claims to address the five dimensions of beautiful skin: (1) reducing spots, (2) diminishing the appearance of wrinkles, (3) correcting skin texture, (4) improving firmness, and (5) elevating radiance. It contains 90% pure Pitera™ in every bottle. Pitera is a natural by-product of yeast fermentation that is rich in vitamins, amino acids, and minerals that help to heighten the skin’s natural surface-rejuvenation process. This product was also uniquely formulated to better assist skin with better absorbing serums and moisturizers. Your skin’s moisture is left replenished to help prevent dryness, its texture is smoothed for soft, even skin, and its renewal cycle is moderated.

Ingredients: Saccharomycopsis Ferment Filtrate**, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Aqua (Water/ Eau), Sodium Benzoate, Methylparaben, Sorbic Acid. *Pitera.

Directions: Sprinkle a teaspoon into your hands, then press the essence gently and evenly onto your face and neck. Your skin will absorb the essence quickly and naturally. Layer with your serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen, in that order.

I have sensitive, combination skin. My face tends to be super oily in my T-zone and dry to normal everywhere else. The first time I used this product, I was NOT impressed. It just seemed okay. I dripped some of the Treatment Essence onto my fingertips, but it was kind of watery and difficult to control/apply. While my skin felt soft after my initial application, the dry patches on my cheekbones were not fully moisturized. As a result, I added a few additional drops of product to my fingertips and applied it specifically to that area. My skin instantly looked and felt more hydrated.

Day 2, I only needed one application of the Essence. This time, I poured some of the product onto a cotton round and gently applied it to my face and neck. This technique seemed to work much better for me than the one suggested on the bottle (e.g., sprinkling a teaspoon of the product into your hands). By day 3, my skin seemed fully “adjusted” to the product. I didn’t notice an improvement in the texture of my skin, though, until after I had used the product for about 3 weeks. But, I absolutely love how light and refreshing this Treatment Essence is on my skin. And, I am grateful that it has such a neutral scent.

I usually think skin and hair care products with this kind of price tag are overrated. However, after extended use, I can definitely say that this miracle water is worth all the hullabaloo! My sensitive, combination skin feels much more balanced, smooth, and even. I recommend applying this treatment directly after cleansing your face (and before proceeding to your other facial serums and creams). After 4-5 weeks, I noticed a marked improvement in the fine lines on my face. I am a very expressive person, and had quite noticeable “laugh lines,” especially on my forehead. But, they are barely visible now unless I intentionally furrow my brows! Moreover, my T-zone doesn’t seem to be overproducing so much oil any more. I’ve noticed that my skin is much less oilier in that area, which is a HUGE plus!

My sensitive skin can sometimes appear a little dull from time to time. But, not anymore! After only a few weeks of using the Treatment Essence, I observed that my complexion seems overall much brighter. As a woman of color prone to hyperpigmentation (in the summer time), that’s no small task. The darkness under my eyes has lightened slightly and is much less pronounced. My face also feels firmer, too! In fact, my skin has been looking (and feeling) so great lately, I’ve only worn makeup TWICE in the last 6 weeks, and it wasn’t even my full-face routine! For added benefits, use twice a day (morning and night) and/or combine with SK-II’s Facial Treatment Clear Lotion.

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence is not for the faint of wallet! My 5.4 oz container retails between $179 and $214, depending on the retailer and whether it is on sale. Although expensive, because of the concentrated formula and small amount that is needed each time, my 5.4 oz bottle will last for probably another 10-12 months (maybe even longer) given that I have barely put a dent in it after almost 2 months’ of use! However, because the Essence comes in a glass bottle, I was quite paranoid about dropping it and breaking it. This product is way too expensive for a mishap of that proportion! Every time I use the Essence, I feel the need to open the outer box carefully and gingerly untwist the top cap. This is certainly not a product you can be in a rush to use …

PROS

• Great for MOST skin types (normal, dry, combination, and sensitive)
• Minimizes fine lines and wrinkles
• Softens skin
• Moisturizes skin
• Smooths the surface of skin
• Not sticky or oily on the skin
• Synthetic fragrance-free
• Sulfate-free
• GMO-free
• Can be used twice daily
• Great value; bottle will last a LONG time
• Neutral fragrance

CONS

• The cost; even the 2.5 oz travel-sized bottle sells between $89 and $99!
• Contains paraben preservatives (e.g., methylparaben)
• Not generally recommended for oily skin types
• A little watery
• Glass bottle looks gorgeous but can break easily

Want great skin? Skip the laser resurfacing treatment, and opt for this SK-II Facial Treatment Essence instead! It is definitely worth the investment.